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A Positive Approach to Multiculturalism and Diversity Management in the Workplace

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Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 7))

Abstract

In this chapter, we make the case for the value of and the critical contributions positive constructs can make in leveraging multiculturalism in the workplace. The chapter starts with an overview of diversity in the workplace. We then introduce workplace positivity in general, and more specifically several work-related positive constructs and approaches that emerged as offshoots of the positive psychology movement. Diversity as a demographic differentiator across groups has been marked by a history of prejudice and an inferiority perspective that can lead to a deficit approach to multiculturalism and diversity management. In this chapter, we distinguish this perspective from a positive approach that go beyond reducing, neutralizing, or even overcoming the negative, to also challenge the status quo and find new ways to understand, appreciate and leverage the full potential of a diverse workforce. Linkages between diversity, multiculturalism and positivity are then proposed. Directions for future research and practice end this chapter.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Business, Bellevue University, 1000 Galvin Road South, Bellevue, NE, 68005, USA

    Carolyn M. Youssef-Morgan Ph.D. & James Hardy

Authors
  1. Carolyn M. Youssef-Morgan Ph.D.
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  2. James Hardy
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Correspondence to Carolyn M. Youssef-Morgan Ph.D. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology & Child Development, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti

  2. Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Lisa M. Edwards

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Youssef-Morgan, C.M., Hardy, J. (2014). A Positive Approach to Multiculturalism and Diversity Management in the Workplace. In: Teramoto Pedrotti, J., Edwards, L. (eds) Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8654-6_15

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